FlySafair operations have continued largely as scheduled despite growing tensions between the airline and pilots represented by Solidarity, with disruptions and flight cancellations expected as the dispute escalates.

Last week, 90% of FlySafair pilots voted in favour of a strike, prompting Solidarity to issue a one-day strike notice in an attempt to bring the airline to the negotiating table.

However, FlySafair responded by initiating a seven-day lockout of pilots, a move that could extend for an additional week if the deadlock remains.

While the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to intervene to help resolve the dispute, Solidarity has agreed to the CCMA process, but FlySafair has reportedly declined the intervention.

“We welcome the CCMA’s intervention,” said Solidarity’s Helgard Cronjé. “The disruption of an airline is a matter of national interest. Our aim with the one-day strike notice was to get FlySafair to the negotiating table, but instead they escalated the disruption by locking out pilots for at least seven days.”

At the core of the dispute are disagreements over pay and scheduling.

Solidarity is demanding a 10.5% increase on base salaries along with additional flight pay and bonuses, which FlySafair says would amount to more than a 20% increase in overall costs an escalation the airline describes as unsustainable.

The airline has offered a 5.7% increase on base pay, with added benefits bringing the total increase to 11.29% on a cost-to-company basis.

FlySafair maintains that its pilots are among the highest-compensated professionals in the country, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, and that pilot flying hours remain well within regulatory limits.

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Another point of contention is the pilot rostering system implemented earlier this year, which FlySafair argues aligns with global industry practices to improve operational efficiency while providing pilots with advanced rosters for planning.

Solidarity, however, claims that the airline’s aggressive approach to managing its pilots has fuelled the conflict and damaged trust.

“We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the broader flying public,” FlySafair stated, adding that it remains committed to reaching a resolution that balances fair compensation for employees with financial sustainability and affordable fares for South African travellers.

Solidarity has indicated it remains ready to negotiate through the CCMA to avoid further disruption.

Passengers are urged to monitor FlySafair’s communication channels for updates on potential flight disruptions during the lockout period.